Cross-sectional imaging of the uterus

Abstract

The uterine corpus and cervix are prone to a broad spectrum of disorders, ranging from complex developmental anomalies with or without multisystem involvement to neoplastic entities. Ultrasound and sonohysterography have always been in the forefront to assess these structures. However, over the years, cross-sectional imaging techniques, especially MRI, have evolved by leaps and bounds, providing a reliable and reproducible noninvasive three-dimensional view of both these structures and thereby aiding in the precise detection of pathologies. MRI is the current gold standard in assessing numerous pelvic pathologies, including developmental anomalies, endometriosis, and neoplasms. This chapter discusses in length an extensive algorithmic approach to a wide pathological spectrum involving both the uterine corpus and cervix, which would give radiologists better clinico-radio-pathological understanding of these conditions and aid in the provision of a precise road map to the clinician.